OSHAWA, Ont. - Durham College men's basketball head coach Desmond Rowley is proud to announce that Dylan Pelissero will be joining the team next semester.

At 6-foot-8, 235 pounds, Pelissero adds a big body in the middle of the Lords line-up heading into the second half of the regular season.

"We are thrilled to have Pelissero playing for us in the new year," said Rowley. "He is a proven player who is ready to take his game to the next level. Our team is shaping up to make a run at the playoffs."

Pelissero played high school basketball at Ridgeway Crystal Beach, where he averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds per game. Prior to Ridgeway High, he played Red Raiders travel basketball where he once again averaged a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Being such a big man, Pelissero models his game after his favourite player Shaquille O'Neal.

Pelissero will add depth to the Lords line-up that features 2011 OCAA player of the year Eric Smith and the OCAA's second-leading scorer Ajahmo Clarke who is averaging 26.9 points a game.

The Lords are 3-7 on the season and are hopeful that Pelissero will be a key contributor to a playoff push.

Pelissero is delighted to be attending a school that is rapidly growing such as Durham. He will be enrolled in the Protection Securities & Investigation program.

Source: Durham College